Blake refused to talk to me for the rest of practice. The only interaction he had with me was when it was absolutely necessary. What did I do to make him hate me so much? All I wanted was time. It’s not like I cheated on him like he did me, and I’m willing to overlook his mistake. His betrayal is far worse than keeping our relationship secret for just a little longer.
“I’m good. I’m actually catching a ride with Henley. We’re going to head over to the Viking’s Nest and meet some friends there.” He doesn’t even shift his gaze to me, keeping his eyes firmly on Carter.
“Thought I was a friend? Best friend, to be exact.” Carter’s words hit me hard. I know the reason he’s not riding with us, and it’sme. I knew this would happen if Blake and I got together. It's why I fought it.
Blake finally looks at me, his eyes filled with anger and pain. His mouth opens then closes, over and over as he attempts to find the words to say something. “Join us,” Henley interjects, cutting the silence and tension that fill the locker room.
“And Chase?” Carter questions.
Henley takes a deep breath before barely getting the words out without stumbling over them. “Sure, he’s welcome too.”
Blake tenses with Henley’s invite and I’m over it.
Fuck him, and fuck this shit.I'm done.
“I’m good, Carter. Go have fun. I’ll see you later.” I pick up my bag and head out of the locker room, ignoring Carter as he calls after me.
I poured my soul out to Blake for him to just treat it as if it were nothing. He knows how hard that was for me to confess in front of everyone, and then to see her here. To know that she’s Coach’s daughter, and the minute he finds out what happened between the four of us, we’re dead. Not to mention the fact Carter is going to start resenting me too once he realizes I cost him his best friend.
Right now, all I want is to crawl into a deep grave and die. Anything to ease this pain that’s shredding my heart to pieces.
Chapter 3
Chase
Idon’t know howfar I’ve walked before the truck pulls up along the curb beside me. A logical person would stop, but I don’t. No, I keep walking, because stopping would mean having to talk—and there’s no way he’s not going to want to. It also means admitting to his face that I not only messed up my life, but his as well with my reckless impulses.
“Get in. It’s fucking freezing and you’re going to turn into a popsicle.”
As much as I want to crawl into the warmth of the truck with Carter, I keep walking. I’d wished he would just leave with them instead of following me like I’m some pitiful mess.
“Chase, get in the fucking truck!” he shouts, speaking each word slowly, making sure to enunciate them clearly as if I can’t hear him.
“Carter, just go,” I finally blurt as I come to an abrupt stop.
“Chase, I love you, but if you don’t get in this truck, I’m gonna beat your fucking ass.”
He doesn’t move, just glares back at me, a promise that he means exactly what he says. I blow out a breath in frustration,but open the back door, tossing my gym bag in the back before getting into the passenger seat.
“He’s just mad and not thinking. He’s going to wake up and regret what he said to you.”
“Carter, thank you for saying that, but I don’t think he is. What’s worse is I’ve put you in the middle of all this and I hate myself for it.” My voice hitches and I fight back the tears that want to break free.
“I told you before that you’re my brother and you’re what’s important to me above anyone else. Blake’s my best friend, but right now he’s not acting that way, he’s pushing not only you away, but me as well. He’s going to come to his senses and see that you’re the best thing that’s happened to him. Chase, I—”
I swipe the tears from my face and turn to look at my brother, who has stopped mid-sentence, in shock. “You think I’m the best thing that happened to Blake?”
“I do. But I also think you share responsibility for the problems between you two. You couldn’t have expected him to act like nothing happened after how close and affectionate you were during the holidays. It was unfair of you, and your reasoning was ridiculous.” I open my mouth to protest, but he shakes his head, quickly speaking again.
“I’m your brother and it’s my place to tell you when you’re being a dick and you, Chase, were being a twelve inch prick. You shouldn’t care what people think about you, especially the team. You, above anyone, know them well enough to know they’d accept and be happy for the two of you. I hate to say it, but you had a big part in fucking up this relationship and you’re going to have to work to win him back. Today was a good start, but it wasn’t enough.”
My eyes widen, and my jaw drops at Carter’s harsh words. They hang heavy in the air, and I don’t know how to respond. Me. I’m the reason Blake’s acting like an ass toward me. He’sthe one who, instead of trying to talk to me about how I was feeling, left and cheated on me. Yet here I am forgiving him for his transgressions when he can’t understand how hard it was for me coming out about my bisexuality to the world.
"Excuse me?" The words come out sharper than what I intend, but the disbelief in them is impossible to hide. "You’re really going to sit there and blameme? Tell me this is my fault when he’s the one who went out and cheated instead of trying to work through the issue together?"
Carter’s face goes flush as his eyebrows pull together in a scowl. His nostrils flare and his breathing becomes erratic. “He fucking what?”
“Nothing. Just forget I said anything. Let’s just go. I’m tired.” I’m not really, but I don’t want to get into this now. I shouldn’t have let the words slip from my mouth. I was just so pissed at being blamed for the friction between Blake and myself.
